Effects of lifestyle measures, antiobesity agents, and bariatric surgery on serological markers of inflammation in obese patients.

Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in developed countries and are also becoming more frequent in the developing world. Overweight and obese patients have elevated levels of several inflammatory markers and this inflammatory state might contribute to their increased vascular risk. We summarize the effects of lifestyle changes, antiobesity agents, and bariatric surgery on serological inflammatory markers in overweight and obese patients.

The role of uric acid in stroke: the issue remains unresolved.

Background: Although in the past decade a large number of studies have been performed to identify the relationship between uric acid and stroke, the issue remains unresolved and it is not clear whether the correlation between uric acid and stroke is circumstantial or causal.

Review Summary: Some studies have found uric acid predictive for the development of cardiovascular disease, whereas others have failed to identify uric acid as a significant and independent risk factor after controlling for other atherosclerotic risk factors. Furthermore, uric acid, a powerful endogenous antioxidant, is increased in oxidative stress situations such as stroke.